| Deaths from substance overdose in the Lothian and Borders region of Scotland (1983-1991). | |
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MedLine Citation:
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PMID: 8086222 Owner: NLM Status: MEDLINE |
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
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1. A retrospective analysis of 352 consecutive cases of fatal substance overdose that occurred in the Lothian and Borders region of Scotland (LBRS) between 1983 and 1992 (inclusive) is presented. All these cases were subjected to a full forensic autopsy with histological and toxicological studies. 2. The overall male:female ratio is 1.2:1. Males significantly predominate (1.9:1) in the 21-30 year age group, but females significantly predominate (0.7-0.9:1) above the age of 50 years (P < 0.001). A significant progressive alteration in the sex ratio is noted: from 0.7:1 in 1988 to 2.4:1 in 1992 (P < 0.001). 3. Analgesics account for 43.2% of all overdose deaths with narcotic analgesics representing 32.4%. Dextropropoxyphene is the commonest (38.2%) narcotic analgesic and fatal overdoses on it have been increasing since 1989; methadone deaths also showed an increase. Death from heroin overdose fell sharply in 1985. 4. Antidepressants account for 20.2% of deaths (tricyclics representing 19.3%): Amitriptyline is the commonest (75.0%) tricyclic and its use, particularly by female suicides, has been increasing since 1989. Barbiturate poisoning has declined considerably since 1986. 5. Temazepam comprises 65.4% of all benzodiazepines overdose deaths; two-thirds of fatal benzodiazepine abuse involve males. 6. This study once more emphasises that physicians, and especially general practitioners, must prescribe cautiously for their patients. Control through legislation of the sale of non-narcotic analgesics is worth serious consideration. |
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Authors:
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J O Obafunwa; A Busuttil |
Publication Detail:
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Type: Journal Article |
Journal Detail:
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Title: Human & experimental toxicology Volume: 13 ISSN: 0960-3271 ISO Abbreviation: Hum Exp Toxicol Publication Date: 1994 Jun |
Date Detail:
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Created Date: 1994-10-20 Completed Date: 1994-10-20 Revised Date: 2007-11-15 |
Medline Journal Info:
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Nlm Unique ID: 9004560 Medline TA: Hum Exp Toxicol Country: ENGLAND |
Other Details:
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Languages: eng Pagination: 401-6 Citation Subset: IM |
Affiliation:
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Department of Pathology, University Medical School, Edinburgh. |
Export Citation:
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APA/MLA Format Download EndNote Download BibTex |
| MeSH Terms | |
Descriptor/Qualifier:
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Acetaminophen
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poisoning Adolescent Adult Age Factors Aged Aged, 80 and over Dextropropoxyphene / poisoning Ethanol / analysis Female Humans Male Middle Aged Overdose Retrospective Studies Scotland / epidemiology Sex Factors Substance-Related Disorders / epidemiology, mortality* Suicide / trends* |
| Chemical | |
Reg. No./Substance:
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103-90-2/Acetaminophen; 469-62-5/Dextropropoxyphene; 64-17-5/Ethanol |
From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine
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